MARTIN DUBRAVKA is set to make his first Premier League start of the season when Newcastle United host Wolves this evening.

Dubravka missed the first four months of the campaign after sustaining a serious heel injury in pre-season, and has found his involvement since returning to full fitness limited to a solitary FA Cup appearance at Arsenal.

Steve Bruce has stuck by his replacement, Karl Darlow, who impressed with a series of eye-catching displays in the first half of the campaign.

However, Darlow’s form has dipped markedly in the last few weeks, culminating in Sunday’s performance at Old Trafford that saw him concede an opening goal to Marcus Rashford as the Manchester United striker beat him with a low shot at his near post.

That appears to have been the final straw for Bruce, with Dubravka widely expected to replace Darlow this evening.

“Like every position, I have a decision to make,” said the Newcastle boss. “Karl has done very well - Martin has been Player of the Year the last two years. So, Karl has done fantastically. I have to do what I think is right for the team.

“You have to pick a team every week and you will disappoint people. I have always said it is about how you look after those who don't play.”

Joelinton is available for tonight’s game despite having hobbled off during Sunday’s defeat at Old Trafford, but Bruce must decide whether to stick with Brazilian or recall either Dwight Gayle or Andy Carroll in place of the injured Callum Wilson.

Gayle started at Chelsea and failed to offer a threat, but his performances at the end of last season at least proved he remains capable of scoring at Premier League level.

Joelinton has rarely looked like finding the net throughout his Newcastle career, while Carroll has tended to look more effective as a substitute than on the rare occasions when he has started this season. An alternative option would be to start with Miguel Almiron as a ‘false nine’ flanked by Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser.

At the back, Bruce is expected to stick with Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark, with Federico Fernandez pencilled in for a return in next weekend’s game at West Brom.

“Joelinton is okay,” said Bruce. “Fede Fernandez has trained all week but it might still be a bit early for him. Everyone else is okay.”

Wilson’s return is likely to be a crucial moment in Newcastle’s run-in, with the England international showing good progress as he recovers from a serious hamstring tear.

He will not be involved in tonight’s game, and is also expected to miss the matches against Wolves and Aston Villa.

Newcastle (probable, 4-3-2-1): Dubravka; Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis; Hayden, Shelvey, Willock; Almiron, Saint-Maximin; Gayle.